Ascent of Big Indian Mountain on 2009-11-21

Ascent Trip Report

After hiking out from Balsam Lake Mtn Lean-to to my vehicle on Mill Brook Rd, I drove over to Seager to begin this hike. I actually carried the full pack all the way up to the summit instead of dropping it at the Shandaken Brook lean-to, where I would be spending the night. Good exercise this way. The big stream crossing was a bit tricky as the water was high, but I managed to make it across without getting my feet wet (with the aid of a downed tree). I ran into a pair of hunters right near the lean-to. They were dragging out an 8-point buck, the first deer for the son. The summit is just off the trail, kind of a pain in the ass. I'm not much of a fan of Catskill bushwhacking, so Fir was out of the question. The tiny bushwhack to the summit of Big Indian was plenty for me. Back to the Shandaken Brook lean-to for the night. Since the sun was gone by 6pm, I had an early night after a little reading by headlamp.

Summary Total Data

Elevation Gain:

1700 ft / 518 m

Ascent Statistics

Elevation Gain:

1700 ft / 518 m

Route:

Seager-Big Indian Trail

Trailhead:

2000 ft / 609 m

Descent Statistics

Ascent Part of Trip: Catskills Nov '09 (2 nights total away from roads)